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Native Colorado Orchids

Orchids grow all over the world, not just in the tropics. High in the mountains, canyons, and plateaus of Southwest Colorado, many remarkable native orchid species thrive, despite the harsh conditions. Dave’s mother lives in the Four Corners area of Colorado, and, like her son, has a great photographic eye. She and her hiking pals have been kind enough to share their wildflower pictures. First, here’s the charming miniature Calypso orchid, also known as the Fairy Slipper. It’s native to much of the northern USA, Canada, northern Europe, and northern Asia.

Calypso bulbosa, Fairy Slipper, miniature orchid species, growing wild in Southwestern ColoradoCalypso bulbosa, Fairy Slipper, miniature orchid species, growing wild in Southwestern ColoradoCalypso bulbosa, Fairy Slipper, miniature orchid species, growing wild in Southwestern Colorado

The next six photos show some fascinating Corallorhizas. These strange orchid species don’t have chlorophyll, but take all their nutrients from fungi which feed on decaying plant debris. Growing near Ponderosa Pines, at elevations above 7000 feet (2134 m,) their colorful flower stalks sprout from the forest floor.

Corallorhiza maculata, Summer coralroot, saprophytic orchid species, growing wild in Southwestern ColoradoCorallorhiza maculata, Summer coralroot, saprophytic orchid species, growing wild in Southwestern ColoradoCorallorhiza maculata, Summer coralroot, saprophytic orchid species, flower buds, growing wild in Southwestern Colorado

Corallorhiza maculata, Summer coralroot, saprophytic orchid species, flower buds, growing wild in Southwestern ColoradoCorallorhiza trifida, Yellow Coralroot, saprophytic orchid species with yellow flowers, growing wild in Southwestern ColoradoCorallorhiza trifida, Yellow Coralroot, saprophytic orchid species with flower buds, growing wild in Southwestern Colorado

In the last row of photos, there are two more Colorado natives: the Rattlesnake Orchid and the Stream Orchid.  The Rattlesnake Orchid, or Goodyera, is a jewel orchid with variegated leaves. The Stream Orchid in the last shot is the same Epipactis species that I’ve grown in California. It’s native to a wide range of western North America, from Canada through Mexico. What a joy to see the Steam Orchid and other natives thriving in their mountain homes! Stream Orchid photo courtesy of Bill Lemons. All other photos courtesy of Brenda Hogue.

Goodyera, Rattlesnake Orchid, orchid species with variegated leaves, growing wild in Southwestern ColoradoGoodyera, Rattlesnake Orchid, orchid species with variegated leaves and tall flower spikes, growing wild in Southwestern ColoradoEpipactis gigantea, Steam Orchid, orchid species flower, growing wild in Southwestern Colorado

Learn more about native Colorado orchids at swcoloradowildflowers.com.

Explore posts in the same categories: Cool Growers, Mini Orchids, Orchids in the Wild, Photos

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 16th, 2015 at 8:15 pm and is filed under Cool Growers, Mini Orchids, Orchids in the Wild, Photos.

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2 Comments on “Native Colorado Orchids”

  1. Rachelle Says:
    September 19th, 2015 at 4:38 am

    Thank you for guiding the new and “dabbling” orchid grower. Your information is great and site very comprehensive. I’m not sure where u should post a question and would like to include a photo. Your site this morning stopped me, most likely, from destroying an orchid by reporting in dirt

  2. Marc Says:
    September 19th, 2015 at 5:33 pm

    Hi Rachelle. I’m glad you’ve already found useful info at AboutOrchids. You can ask a question in any post where the comments are still open. To send me a photo, use the email link at http://www.aboutorchids.com/contact/index.html.